Have you ever taken a chance to know about a soldier’s wounds? If not, then such experience can be felt by diving into this military fiction, “A Soldier’s Soldier” by Neysa Holmes, PhD. In this book, the author has explored the profound impact of combat on soldiers, particularly focusing on the hidden emotional and psychological injuries they endure. Despite outward appearances of strength and composure, these warriors carry an immense burden, silently battling the demons that follow them home from war.

The Mask of Toughness: The Military’s Expectation

The military has long been perceived as a hyper-masculine environment, where soldiers are expected to exude strength and invulnerability, regardless of their sex. The culture emphasizes the need to be tough, both physically and mentally. Soldiers take an oath to serve, protect, and maintain unwavering discipline. Yet, behind this facade lies a reality that often goes unaddressed.

At the end of a tour, service members are asked whether anything they experienced during deployment has left a mark on them—if there are events that trouble or haunt them. As Neysa Holmes recounts from her husband Erick’s experience, the answer is usually a firm “No.” These warriors, driven by a sense of duty and loyalty to their team, compartmentalize their trauma, shoving it deep into the recesses of their minds. The “really bad things” are mentally boxed up and inaccessible for processing because admitting vulnerability is often seen as a weakness that could jeopardize the mission.

The Dangerous Cycle of Suppression

This internalized trauma manifests in self-destructive behaviours. Many soldiers turn to binge drinking, substance abuse, or engage in risky, adrenaline-fueled activities. These outlets temporarily numb the pain, but they never address the underlying issues. Despite these behaviours, soldiers are often eager to return to war, where they feel a sense of purpose and belonging that is difficult to replicate in civilian life.

The camaraderie and team-focused mindset cultivated in the military environment create an intense bond among soldiers. However, when a team member is injured or becomes a casualty, the impact on morale is profound. The pressure to maintain an operational tempo, even in the face of personal and team losses, exacerbates the emotional toll. Soldiers are expected to continue functioning at peak efficiency, often without the opportunity to grieve or process their trauma.

The Loss of Identity and Adjustment Disorders

Holmes discusses how the transition from military to civilian life is a jarring experience for many veterans. The military defines so much of their identity that when they can no longer serve or fulfill their duties, a crisis emerges. This loss of purpose can trigger Adjustment Disorders characterized by emotional and behavioural difficulties. The struggle to reintegrate into civilian society is compounded by the absence of the structured environment and mission-oriented lifestyle they once knew.

Green Berets, in particular, face a unique challenge. Known for their elite training and near-superhuman resilience, they often possess large egos that are closely tied to their abilities and roles. When they are no longer able to execute missions, liberate oppressed people, or uphold the ideals of justice and freedom, they confront a deep personal crisis. The abrupt loss of this warrior identity creates a vacuum that is difficult to fill.

War’s Lingering Shadows: The Inescapable Scenes of Combat

Combat leaves an indelible mark on the psyche. The vivid and horrific scenes of war cannot be erased, no matter how deeply they are buried. The invisible wounds—psychological and emotional scars—are often the hardest to heal. Soldiers who have experienced prolonged combat or multiple tours are especially vulnerable to these effects. The unrelenting exposure to danger, violence, and loss embeds trauma in their very being, affecting their mental health and relationships long after they leave the battlefield.

For many warriors, the battle doesn’t end when they return home. Instead, they continue to fight an internal war, one that requires a new kind of strength and resilience. Addressing these invisible wounds is critical, not only for the well-being of the veterans themselves but also for their families and communities, who often bear the consequences of untreated trauma.

The Need for Healing and Understanding

Holmes emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these wounds. Healing is not a simple process, and it requires both individual and societal efforts to support our veterans. The book serves as a call to action, urging better understanding, compassion, and resources for those who have given so much in service to their country.